Prince George, B.C. – An executive of the company that operates the Mt Polley mine has provided an update on the breach of the dyke surrounding the tailings pond which occurred last B.C. Day, August 4^th.

Steve Robertson, Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Imperial Metals Corporation, provided the update in an appearance before the newly-installed Board of Directors of the Cariboo Regional District. Roberts presented an overview of three main phases of the incident including response, restoration and the geotechnical investigation. He also told the board that extensive testing has been carried out and is still taking place in the vicinity of the area affected by the spill. Mount Polley will be submitting an application to the provincial government for an early restart of operations, using Open Pit for tailings restoration.

The province ordered an independent engineering investigation and inquiry into the breach in late August. As well it ordered reviews of all safety inspections carried out this year at every mine tailings pond in the province. A report is expected to be produced by the end of January.